- Cook Government supporting WA farmers to make their operations more sustainable and profitable through carbon farming
- Carbon for Farmers Vouchers of up to $15,000 will help 43 landowners seek expert advice and develop carbon farming plans
The Cook Government is providing more than half a million dollars in funding to farmers across Western Australia to help transform their businesses through carbon farming.
Carbon farming refers to activities that help offset emissions by storing carbon in trees and soil.
In WA carbon farming is an emerging industry, which aims to make a significant difference to Australia's climate crisis.
Carbon for Farmers Vouchers of up to $15,000 each will be provided to 43 landowners, including three properties operated by Aboriginal enterprises, to seek expert advice and develop carbon farming plans.
This includes soil monitoring, implementing revegetation strategies, and undertaking a farm business analysis.
Carbon farming can also have major economic benefits - through the generation of tradeable carbon credits - which can be sold to secondary markets looking to offset emissions.
Denmark dairy farmer Nigel Sinclair and his daughter Laura will use their voucher to take their first steps towards integrating carbon farming into their operation through multi-species tree planting, improved soil health, water retention, and biodiversity.
More than 100 vouchers have been distributed over the past 18 months.
Gingin farmer Tony Ruse used his 2022 voucher to examine how planting diverse shelter belts increases biodiversity, capture carbon, reduce wind erosion, and improve soil carbon levels.
Those who embark on a carbon farming journey may be eligible for future funding through the WA Government's $15 million Carbon Farming and Land Restoration Program.
For more information and a full list of Carbon for Farmers Voucher recipients visit agric.wa.gov.au/carbon-farming/carbon-farmers-voucher-program.
Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"This is a game changer, that will not only help WA farmers make their operations more sustainable, but potentially more profitable through the generation of tradable carbon credits.
"The Cook Government is committed to future-proofing the State's vital agriculture industry, and tackling climate change.
"Demand for the Carbon for Farmers Vouchers continues to be strong, as more landowners became aware of the environmental and economic benefits of carbon sequestration.
Comments attributed to Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
"This funding will enable our farmers to explore strategies and options to capture carbon and improve soil health, the building block of agricultural productivity and profitability.
"A thriving and sustainable agriculture industry is good for our local economy."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"Farming practices are constantly evolving in WA, and these vouchers are helping our dairy farmers diversify and adapt to the challenges of climate change.
"I look forward to seeing how their operations are transformed and the flow on benefits."
